Congressman Patronis Files “PROTECT” Act to Repeal Section 230 Demands Accountability for Big Tech, Says Time for Parents to Fight Back
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Patronis introduced H.R. 7045, the Promoting Responsible Online Technology and Ensuring Consumer Trust (PROTECT) Act, legislation to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and end the special legal immunity granted to Big Tech companies, restoring accountability to online platforms that profit while children pay the price.
“As a father of two young boys, I refuse to stand by while Big Tech poisons our kids without consequence," said Congressman Patronis. “This is the only industry in America that can knowingly harm children, some with deadly consequences, and walk away without responsibility. Big Tech is digital fentanyl that is slowly killing our kids, pushing parents to the sidelines, acting as therapists, and replacing relationships with our family and friends. This must stop.”
Patronis continued, “It is time for parents to stand up and fight back against these tech giants. The dark forces of social media and tech evolve faster than any parent can screen or detect, even with the best skills. It is time we demand accountability for declining mental health in minors and the increase in suicide and self-harm. These are minor children who are getting hurt. If a billboard or TV channel couldn’t publish bullying or violent materials without liability, why can big tech? Let’s end the double standard.”
Section 230 shields social media companies and other online platforms from liability for content published on their sites. For too long, the law has prevented parties harmed by online content from obtaining relief. Instead of protecting our younger generations from sensitive content, these sites prioritize profit over safety while continuing to push out harmful, explicit, and dangerous materials without any accountability.
The dangers are no longer theoretical. Children are being exposed to chatbots that are encouraging self-harm, algorithm-driven content that fuels addiction and depression, and online communities that normalize suicide, eating disorders, and violence.
“These companies design their platforms to hook children, exploit their vulnerability, and keep them scrolling no matter the cost,” Patronis continues. “When children are told by an algorithm, or a chatbot, that the world would be better without them, and no one is being held responsible, something is deeply broken. I bet they would actually self-police their sticky apps and technologies if they knew they would have to pay big without the Big Tech Liability Protection of Section 230.”
The PROTECT Act would repeal Section 230, which for far too long has shielded Big Tech companies from accountability for the harm they continue to cause children. Our most vulnerable should no longer suffer while corporations make millions profiting from their decline.
Read the full bill text HERE
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